How bad will this be?

[Motorhead350]

I need to change the front drivers lower control arm due to bad bushings. I cannot seem to find any step by step videos or instructions. It this as simple as taking off the wheel, brakes and removal of the arm or is there more to it than this?

I'm aware I might have to torch off the bolts, but are any special tools needed or do I need to also pay attention to tie rods?

Thank you.

[lifespeed]

Don't you need to change the other side too?

[martyo]

Where are yiu going to do the work?

[martyo]

Oh, and rather than torching the bolts off, you can soak them in Kerosene.

Sorry, I had to!

[Comin' in Hot]

Take it somewhere.... I did it on jack stands and it's doable, but you will never properly torque the rear nut because it needs to be on a lift. You need like 3 feet of clearance for the torque wrench. You will also need an alignment immediately.

If you're doing one side, do the other side. These cars eat upper ball joints, so you should think about replacing upper control arms too.


And Last, The fact you think you might need to torch the bolts off tells me you shouldn't touch anything in the suspension on these cars.

[fastblackmerc]

I need to change the front drivers lower control arm due to bad bushings. I cannot seem to find any step by step videos or instructions. It this as simple as taking off the wheel, brakes and removal of the arm or is there more to it than this?

I'm aware I might have to torch off the bolts, but are any special tools needed or do I need to also pay attention to tie rods?

Thank you.

Take it somewhere.... I did it on jack stands and it's doable, but you will never properly torque the rear nut because it needs to be on a lift. You need like 3 feet of clearance for the torque wrench. You will also need an alignment immediately.

If you're doing one side, do the other side. These cars eat upper ball joints, so you should think about replacing upper control arms too.


And Last, The fact you think you might need to torch the bolts off tells me you shouldn't touch anything in the suspension on these cars.

First.... there are many how-to's including videos about R&R the control arms both upper and lowers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeXWxfjgX5w

http://www.autoclinix.com/Mercury/LBallJoints.html

Second......... I agree with Comin' in Hot, you probably should not a attemp this due to your limited automotive repair knowledge and you probably don't have the necessary tools either.

[Motorhead350]

I'm always willing to learn. I have done suspension work in the past and have gained experience over the past two years... right when all of these parts are finally starting to give way.

Thank you for the info.

[DrZ]

I'm always willing to learn. I have done suspension work in the past and have gained experience over the past two years... right when all of these parts are finally starting to give way.

Thank you for the info.

Safety first! You have the right attitude! Read online or buy the Ford shop manual for Crown Vics/Gran Marquis for $40.00 used on ebay. Some things are best left for professionals with lifts. Your call.

[Danger Cart]

I did the front end in my '03. Inner/outer tie rods & pre assembled upper/lower control arms. The rear nut was a one click & a wince in pain at a time job. Alignment afterwards is 110% NECESSARY at a real deal alignment shop. Toe & go will not suffice whatsoever. Oh... and stay away from the AC Delco stuff. The boots on my lower & upper ball joints are already split after 7k miles.

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[Danger Cart]

And please don't torch off the bolts. If need be, get a breaker bar & a hydraulic jack to bust them loose. Or soak in 50/50 ATF & acetone.

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[justbob]

The price of a torque wrench that I would trust out ways the labor cost.

Firestone usually has the best rates and do decent alignments but best of all normally quick turn arounds with an appointment.


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[Motorhead350]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I wish I did this before the snowfall that just started!